Skip to main content

From the Corner: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)


Mike S here again with ANOTHER silent horror classic that I reviewed on my own blog.  This time, it's the 1920 version of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", starring John Barrymore (Drew Barrymore's grandfather).

Dr. Jekyll is a fine, upstanding member of society: respectable, intellegent, and giving of his time to the poor in his clinic.  When criticized by his soon to be father-in-law, for his lack of worldly experience, Jekyll is determined to gain experience in the darker side of life.  A potion he creates allows him to revel in humanity's depravity as Mr. Hyde... but soon Hyde begins to take over.


Of the many versions of Louis Stevenson's novel, the 1920 silent version is probably one of the most famous ones.  The differences in this version and the novel are attributed to the fact that it was actually based on a stage play adaptation from 1887.

I really quite enjoyed this film.  While the pacing isn't all that quick, I found that I had little problem staying interested in the story, possibly because the music was moody and interesting to me.

There wasn't really a lot of "acting" in this film other than characters walking, sitting, standing and talking.  Most of the "action" was actually done by either Dr. Jekyll, or Mr. Hyde- and done quite well.  In keeping with the general style of the early silent films, John Barrymore presented us with a very theatrical performance.  As with a couple of other silent film classic I've reviewed, I could almost imagine myself sitting in a darkened theater watching a live performance of this movie.

Barrymore was excellent in my opinion.  The way he was able to contort his face and hands for the first transformation scene was remarkable to see.  There was no make-up used for that first scene- it was all plain old acting skill.  And watching him contort and convulse during the other transformations was startling and a little disturbing to watch too.  Just a wonderful performance.

Even though his character didn't do a lot, I felt that Brandon Hurst (who would later play Jehan Frollo in Lon Chaney, Sr's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"), was well cast as Jekyll's soon to be father-in-law, Sir George Carew.  He brought a look of arrogant respectability to the character, which I felt was perfect.

The camera work and lighting was fairly good, though the sets were rather plain.  Despite the blandness of the sets, the use of shadows created a moodiness that lessened the negative aspects of the film's simplicity.

While, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" may have lacked the artistry of other silent films, I would certainly say it qualifies as one of "The Good."
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

  Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends.  With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher.  When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up.  Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila!  Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink.  The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink.  The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices.   In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors.  The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort.  It was refreshing enou
Post a Comment
Read more

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo
Post a Comment
Read more

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ".  I know I remember them.  This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present.  With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good.  It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters.  This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's.  In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking.  I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e
Post a Comment
Read more